Description

Hearty Black Bean & Squash Stew is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines tender butternut squash, nutritious black beans, and aromatic spices. This stew uses a clever cooking technique where part of the stew is blended to create a creamy texture and rich flavor without long simmering times. Perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner, it’s a vegan and gluten-free option that satisfies with its depth and warmth.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Spices

1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced (optional, but adds great color)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups cubed butternut squash (or sweet potato), peeled
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

Pantry Items

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups vegetable broth
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Build Your Flavor Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are very soft and beginning to caramelize, which develops their natural sweetness and builds a deep flavor base.
Bloom the Spices for Intensity: Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano to the softened vegetables. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly until fragrant. This blooming step releases the full aromatic potential of the spices and prevents any raw spice taste.
Simmer the Squash: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the cubed butternut squash. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the squash is almost tender.
Add Beans & Finish Simmer: Stir in the rinsed black beans. Continue cooking uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until the squash is very tender and the beans are heated through. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
The Ultimate Flavor & Texture Hack: Carefully remove about 1.5 to 2 cups of the stew (mostly squash and some beans with liquid) and transfer it to a blender. To avoid burns, only fill the blender halfway and vent the lid. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, creating a thickened texture and melding flavors deeply.
Integrate and Serve: Pour the blended mixture back into the pot, stirring well to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving. Enjoy a rich, comforting stew with complex flavors and creamy texture!

Notes

This stew features a unique blending technique that enhances flavor and texture, mimicking long simmering without the wait.
Butternut squash can be substituted with sweet potato if desired.
Optional green bell pepper adds color and subtle sweetness.
For a spicier stew, add cayenne pepper or increase chili powder as preferred.
Use a sturdy blender and exercise caution when blending hot liquids to avoid splattering.